Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., announces the expanded platform for its GRANT (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) program, along with a new name: Outdoor Access Initiative. Designed to extend support to off-highway vehicle (OHV) users in a wider variety of outdoor activities, the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative remains the industry leader in supporting safe, responsible use and open sustainable access to trails and riding areas.

“Yamaha is the leader in supporting our industry and customers on OHV issues as well as conservation, land access and safe, responsible use of ATV and SxS vehicles – whether in recreation, hunting or agricultural settings,” said Mike Martinez, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group Vice President. “The GRANT program always has welcomed applications from diverse groups. With this new name, we make it clear that the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative actively encourages the submission of projects that support safe, responsible use of OHVs as well as sustainable access to land for all outdoor enthusiasts.”

Along with a new name, the GRANT program has a new logo and a new website (http://www.yamahaoutdooraccess.com) showcasing its inclusive scope. Importantly, the requirements for a complete and successful application remain the same.

“The Outdoor Access Initiative recognizes its roots are in addressing the needs of the OHV community specifically,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS Marketing Manager. “Yamaha has also seen tremendous results from GRANT-funded projects submitted by agricultural institutions as well as hunting and conservation-based groups that benefit not only the specific organization, but all outdoorsmen and women, including OHV enthusiasts. OHVs make the outdoors more accessible to everyone, and the Outdoor Access Initiative can and should help address any challenges to that access.”

The applications for GRANTs in the first quarter 2014 funding cycle represented the broadened appeal of the Yamaha Outdoors Access Initiative with awards being given to an array of OHV interests. More than $95,000 in funding and equipment were awarded to the following organizations:

Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Chena River State Recreation Area

With the close of the first quarter 2014 funding cycle, two new states – Alaska and Kansas – were added to the geographic footprint of the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative bringing the total number of states with GRANT-funded projects to 40.

The 2014 GRANT cycle calendar is available at http://www.yamahaoutdooraccess.com where riding clubs, outdoor enthusiast associations, land managers and conservationists can also find the current Outdoor Access Initiative GRANT application form and guidelines for submission. Yamaha continues to seek qualified projects and applications at local, state and federal levels. The next deadline to submit a GRANT application is Monday, June 30, 2014.

About the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative
The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative is the industry leader in Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails (GRANTs). Through this program, Yamaha has directly and indirectly supported thousands of miles of trails, maintained and rehabilitated countless riding areas, improved staging areas, built bridges over fish-bearing streams and partnered with local riding communities across the country to improve the OHV experience. Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from non-profit or tax-exempt organizations including OHV riding clubs and associations, national, state and local public land use agencies, outdoor enthusiast associations and land conservation groups with an interest in protecting, improving, expanding and/or maintaining access for safe, responsible and sustainable use by motorized off-road vehicles. A committee then reviews each application and awards GRANTs to deserving projects. Examples of appropriate projects for GRANTs include, but are not limited to:

Trail development, restoration and maintenance

Trail signage and map production

Staging area construction, renovation and maintenance

Land stewardship, safety and education

Updated guidelines, an application form and information on the Outdoor Access Initiative are available here. For specific questions about the Outdoor Access Initiative, call Yamaha’s dedicated hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email OHVAccess(at)yamaha-motor(dot)com or write to:

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS) a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit http://www.yamaha-motor.com.